Giovanni Van Brockhorst faces the tough task of lifting his Rangers side for this afternoon’s Scottish Cup final following the heartbreak of their Europa League defeat on Wednesday.
Aaron Ramsay’s spot-kick miss proved decisive in the penalty shoot-out but the Gers have the chance to redeem themselves and finish the season with some silverware today.
Standing in their way are Hearts who will be hoping for a repeat of their 1998 Scottish Cup win over the Gers. The Jambos enjoyed an excellent season in the Premiership, finishing third and were clearly the best of the rest behind Celtic and Rangers.
They can be forgiven for winning just one game in five post-split, their work was done by that point and all thoughts would have been on today.
They were priced around the 5/1 mark to win inside the 90 minutes and that’s been nibbled at, especially after a gruelling 120 minutes in the Andalucian sun for Rangers, and they’re just over 4/1 now with a few bookies although at the time of writing you can still get 49/10 at SBK.
You can get 5/2 on the Jam Tarts to lift the trophy for the third time this century and that’ll be popular among fans.
As you’d expect, Rangers are short favourites at 8/15 to win it in 90, and just 2/7 to lift the 149-year-old trophy but they’ll be more fragile than usual following their midweek disappointment.
The first goal could be crucial at Hampden. If Hearts get their noses in front it could feel like a long way back for a weary Rangers who’d need to chase the game. But if Rangers can score first first they’ve demonstrated a doggedness to dig in and exploit teams coming at them.
Rangers have conceded in 13 of their last 15 matches and a Hearts goal is priced at 1/2, to score one in the first half they’re a tasty looking 7/4.
It could be an open game and that sentiment is echoed at the bookies who have Over 2.5 Goals at just 8/13 and Both Teams to Score at a measly 7/10. However, first half goals appeal with Over 1.5 at 11/8. That’s a bet that’s landed in six of Rangers’ last 10 domestic matches and in 42% of their Premiership matches, and in 39% of Hearts league games.
All eyes will be on the aforementioned Aaron Ramsay who can redeem himself with a goal at 2/1 but the value must lie with Rangers’ penalty king James Tavernier who is 13/2 to open the scoring and 11/8 to net anytime. Alternatively, a penalty to be awarded in the match is 2/1.
Hearts top scorer Liam Boyce is understandably their shortest priced player to grab a goal at 5/2 but Everton’s Ellis Sims could be a threat and if he starts the 9/1 on him scoring first will tempt a few Jambos.
Super Single
- Over 1.5 first half goals 11/8 Bet365
Bonkers Bet
- Rangers 2 Hearts 2 35/2 SBK
Bonkers Bet Builder
- Draw, BTTS, Hearts to score in first half, Ellis Simms to score anytime 20/1 Bet365
Upcoming Match Previews & Tips
- SlipsTips Tips: Rangers vs Hearts
- Scott Allot’s Euro Tips: Rome comfort for Sarri’s side
- Sat 15:00 Rangers v Hearts
- Sat 15:00 Sunderland v Wycombe Wanderers
- Sat 19:00 SC Freiburg v RB Leipzig
- Sun 16:00 Norwich City v Tottenham Hotspur
- Sun 16:00 Liverpool v Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Sun 16:00 Manchester City v Aston Villa
- Sun 16:00 Crystal Palace v Manchester United
- Sun 16:00 Chelsea v Watford
- Sun 16:00 Arsenal v Everton
Racing Tips
Rizzel has two selections for Saturday’s racing both priced up at 9/2.
As always, let us know your tips and predictions for today in the comments section below and good luck with all your bets!
The post Saturday’s Football Tips: Will Weary Gers Be Up for the Cup? appeared first on MrFixitsTips.